The Palo Alto Inn

3.0 star property
Motel with free parking, in the vicinity of Stanford University

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Photo gallery for The Palo Alto Inn

Outdoor banquet area
Property video
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Bathtub (Non Smoking 1 King Room) | Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board
Front of property
Exterior

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
4238 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Place, San Antonio Shopping Center
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Palo Alto VA Hospital
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, San Andreas Fault Trail
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Bathtub (Non Smoking 1 King Room)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(54 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed (Non Smoking 1 Queen Room- Accessible)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Bathtub (Non Smoking 2 Queen Room- Bathtub)

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(19 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible (Non Smoking 1 Queen Room)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(11 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About the neighborhood

Palo Alto

Located in Palo Alto Orchards, The Palo Alto Inn is 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Stanford University and within a 10-minute drive of other popular attractions like Shoreline Amphitheatre. Each of the 23 rooms at this motel includes a refrigerator, a microwave, and a coffee maker.

What's nearby

  • San Antonio Shopping Center - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Mitchell Park Dog Park - 20 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Rengstorff Park - 4 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • San Andreas Fault Trail - 5 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

  • San Antonio Station - 3 min drive
  • Whisman Station - 7 min drive
  • San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Idly Express - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪4290 Bistro - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪So Gong Dong Tofu House - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Teaspoon - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Il Fornaio - ‬16 min walk

About this property

The Palo Alto Inn

Motel with free parking, in the vicinity of Stanford University
The Palo Alto Inn features free WiFi in public areas, a business center, and coffee in a common area. If you plan to drive, free parking is available. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with concierge services and securing valuables. Additional amenities include a meeting room, express check-out, and a terrace.
42-inch TVs come with satellite channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers are also available. Change of towels is available on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking

Food and drink

  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • Business center
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 42-inch TV with premium satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides
  • Room service

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Electrical adapters
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laundry detergent
  • Phone
  • Printer
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Late check-in fee for check-in between noon and 2:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - midnight
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-in fee for check-in between noon and 2:00 PM

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 2 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

The Palo Alto Inn Motel
Days Inn Stanford
Days Inn Stanford Motel
Days Inn Stanford Motel Palo Alto Area
Days Inn Palo Alto Stanford Area Motel
Days Inn Stanford Area Motel
Days Inn Stanford Area
Days Palo Alto Stanford Area
Days Stanford Area
The Palo Alto Inn Palo Alto
The Palo Alto Inn Motel Palo Alto

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at The Palo Alto Inn?

The Palo Alto Inn offers free cancellation on certain room rates. To learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to do around The Palo Alto Inn?

This motel is situated in Palo Alto Orchards, just steps from Silicon Valley. You'll also find Shoreline Amphitheatre and Stanford Stadium within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at The Palo Alto Inn?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. RV/bus/truck parking is also available for guests.

Does The Palo Alto Inn have a casino on the premises?

No, The Palo Alto Inn doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Palo Alto Inn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

Is The Palo Alto Inn a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like premium bedding and a turndown service as well as concierge services.

Are there hot tubs at The Palo Alto Inn?

No, this motel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Palo Alto Inn have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, The Palo Alto Inn doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does The Palo Alto Inn allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Palo Alto Inn though service animals are welcome.

Does The Palo Alto Inn have connecting rooms?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to The Palo Alto Inn?

The closest major airport to The Palo Alto Inn is San Carlos, CA (SQL), which is 14 mi away (18 minutes by car). Another top airport is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is located 13.4 mi away (18-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at The Palo Alto Inn?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Palo Alto Inn.

The Palo Alto Inn Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 612 out of 982 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 236 out of 982 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 64 out of 982 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 37 out of 982 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 33 out of 982 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kate

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
this was such a cute hotel. The rooms were also new and clean. The staff was amazing. I wasn’t feeling well and I requested for a late check out and the gentleman at the front desk was very sweet and accommodating. With excellent customer service comes a returning customer
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

david

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frank, Nashville

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Front desk was super friendly and helpful!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Randy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quiet and Well appointed, nice bath and shower. Nice big flat screen TV and guide. Fridge a little small and bed frame too large for mattress.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Alejandra

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Ken

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
Not worth the money they charged.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia A

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A wonderful place!!

A lovely inn!! Clean, quiet, with many amenities!! One of the most comfortable beds I've encountered!! A selection of pillows, which was wonderful. We will stay here again!! 10/10
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Veronica

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bill

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great

It was a very nice motel. The staff was super nice. I would stay there again in a second.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Abra

Business traveler
Liked: Amenities
Toilet was running
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dennis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great service

Fantastic place to stay the gentleman at the front dest Bhagi was so nice. He was very helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Ron

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Would not book again.

Older motel ,vert short toilet, no over head lighting, no swimming pool/spa, very noisy from traffic and emergency vehicles. The cleaning ladies were very nice and did a great job though. We left early because of family being discharged from Stanford Hospital and had to demand a refund when we had the check out early insurance !!!
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Krista

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Frank

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Liliana

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very quiet, i would stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We stayed at the Palo Alto Inn this past weekend because we had tickets to a show at the Shoreline. The room was very clean and the inn is very quiet. The little outdoor space is very charming! Will definitely return.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephani

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great customer service! Our room was very nice and clean. Area was nice, easy parking, and they had a nice outside space to relax and hang out. I would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendell

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was very clean, inviting. the manager listened and helped as I had a very large vehicle.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yazmin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cameron

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable bed, great shower. Staff is remarkably nice. The whole place shows thoughtful touches often absent from other motels. I would stay here again without hesitation.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Olivia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ana Rosa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025